Ortega Guitars RST5 Classical Guitar: Full Review

The Ortega RST5 is a classical nylon-string acoustic guitar aimed at beginners and students. Manufactured in China, it offers surprisingly good quality and playability for its low price point.

This full-size guitar has a traditional fan-braced nylon string guitar construction with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. The combination produces a balanced, warm tone that works well for classical repertoire. The nylon strings have a mellower sound compared to steel strings, and lower string tension that can be easier on beginners' fingers.

While not a professional-grade instrument, the RST5 punches above its weight given its budget-friendly price tag. It can serve as a starter instrument for new classical guitarists, or a reliable backup choice for more advanced players. The value and quality make it a suitable choice for students and parents looking for an affordable nylon-string guitar.

Construction

The Ortega RST5 features a solid Canadian cedar top with sapele back and sides. The all-wood construction produces a warm and balanced tone.

The build quality of the RST5 is quite good for the price point. The dovetail neck joint is nicely cut and the bracing is clean and even inside. The satin finish allows the woods to resonate freely.

There are a few issues with finishing details - some examples being a slightly uneven binding channel and a few glue spots visible along the side. However, overall the guitar is constructed well and feels sturdy in the hands.

The RST5 may not have the perfect details of a high-end classical, but the all-solid wood construction provides excellent bang for your buck at this price range. This is a well-built beginner classical that focuses on great materials to deliver warm sound.

Sound

The Ortega RST5 classical guitar produces a bright, balanced tone thanks to its combination of spruce and mahogany tonewoods. The solid spruce top provides clarity in the high end and good projection, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and sweetness to the midrange.

This guitar's clear and resonant voice works well for various playing styles and genres. The spruce and mahogany combination generates good sustain, allowing notes to ring out fully. Though not as deep and complex as premium classical guitars, the RST5 has an open and pleasing sound.

The fan bracing inside gives the RST5's top enough rigidity for volume and sustain, while still having flexibility for vibration and response. The guitar projects well when fingerpicked, though it may lack some power when strummed forcefully. Overall, the RST5 delivers a balanced and nuanced classical guitar sound at an entry-level price point.

For those looking for a high-quality classical guitar from a well-known brand, the Fender 0378203550 is an excellent option to consider. This mahogany and spruce classical guitar produces a rich, warm tone perfect for any level player. The slim neck profile and low action make it comfortable for beginners, while the solid wood construction provides the resonance and sustain sought by more advanced classical guitarists.

The Fender 0378203550 features a solid Sitka spruce top, mahogany back and sides, mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard and bridge. This classic tonewood combination emphasizes a balanced, mellow sound with clear trebles and robust bass. The slim neck allows for easy playability and fret access across the 25.3" scale length. The body binding and wood rosette provide an elegant look.

Many are impressed by the impressive build quality given the affordable price point. Attention has clearly been paid to important details like the dovetail neck joint and scalloped bracing inside. The satin finish allows the solid woods to vibrate freely. Overall, the Fender 0378203550 punches above its weight with quality construction and components.

This classical guitar comes equipped with Savarez Cristal Corum high-tension strings for excellent resonance and responsiveness. The strings combined with the solid wood body allow the Fender 0378203550 to produce excellent sustain and projection. Many owners report a mature, nuanced classical guitar voice that belies this instrument's accessible price.

The Fender 0378203550 manages to combine playability, quality construction, and great sound in a competitively priced package. While it may lack some refinement in aesthetics, this classical guitar delivers on the fundamentals and makes an excellent choice for new players and those on a budget. If you want classic Fender quality in a nylon-string, don't overlook this quality, affordable option.

Playability

The RST5's playability is defined by its comfortable neck shape, low string action, and smooth fretwork.

The neck has a classical C-shape that fits nicely in the hand. It's not overly thick or thin, striking a balance that most players will find comfortable to grip and play. The nut width of 52mm gives ample room for fingerpicking without feeling too wide.

The string action on the RST5 is set quite low right out of the box. Combined with the radiused fretboard, this results in very little left hand fatigue during longer practice or playing sessions. The low action doesn't induce much string buzz either.

The fretwork is very well done for a guitar in this price range. The ends of the frets are smoothly finished to avoid scratching your hands. The frets themselves are leveled and crowned consistently, enabling clear notes and chords across the neck. There are no sharp or protruding frets.

Overall, the RST5's ergonomic neck profile, low action, and quality fretwork come together to offer a very playable classical guitar. It's comfortable and easy to play for extended periods without hand strain or fatigue. The smooth frets facilitate clean fingering all over the fingerboard.

If you're looking for another quality and playable classical guitar, check out the Yamaha FGC-TA BL. This model from Yamaha's FG Classical series provides excellent playability at an affordable price point. It has a traditional classical body shape with a spruce top and nato back and sides. The neck is also made of nato wood with a dovetail joint.

The Yamaha FGC-TA BL's neck has a comfortable profile and slimmer nut width of 48mm. This makes it a great choice for players with smaller hands who want ample room for fingerstyle playing. The action is set low but still avoids buzzing issues. Yamaha's skilled craftsmanship ensures consistency in the fretwork as well. The frets are finished smoothly and precisely leveled across the rosewood fretboard.

When it comes to playability, the Yamaha FGC-TA BL rivals more expensive classical guitars. It has a great neck shape and width along with low action for comfort. The fretwork is very well done too. Much like the RST5, it feels great to hold and play for long periods. You can play intricate classical pieces cleanly without fighting against high action or sharp frets. If the RST5 appeals to you, be sure to check out the Yamaha FGC-TA BL for another quality and playable classical acoustic.

Hardware

The Ortega RST5 classical guitar features excellent hardware for a guitar in this price range. The tuning machines are precise and keep the guitar in tune well, even during vigorous playing sessions.

The nut and saddle are both made from synthetic bone, which provides a smooth feel when sliding up and down the neck. The nut width is appropriate for classical guitar at 2 inches, enabling comfortable finger positioning in first position.

Some guitars at this price point cut costs with cheap plastic nuts and saddles, but the Ortega uses quality hardware components that enhance the playability and stay in tune reliably. Upgrading to traditional bone nut and saddle could potentially improve tone, but would also increase the cost.

Overall, the hardware components on the RST5 are thoughtfully chosen to provide stable tuning and a comfortable playing feel without driving up the price point. Beginners will appreciate how the guitar stays in tune, while more advanced players can feel confident in the hardware quality even when playing complex pieces.

Electronics

The Ortega RST5 features high-quality electronics that provide excellent sound and versatility.

Pickup

The guitar has a built-in piezo pickup under the bridge that accurately captures the nuances of the instrument. The pickup has a balanced tone and smooth response across the frequency range. It conveys the warmth and resonance of the solid cedar top.

Preamp

The preamp allows you to shape and control the guitar's tone with 3-band EQ - bass, midrange, and treble. This lets you boost or cut certain frequencies to achieve your desired sound. The preamp also has a tuner and phase switch for feedback control during live performances.

Controls

The easy-to-use master volume knob allows you control the guitar's output level. There are also tone and mid-range controls to further shape your tone. The preamp's intuitive controls make dialing in your optimal amplified tone simple and convenient.

Tone

The Ortega RST5 has a very full and balanced tone that works great for various musical genres and playing styles. The solid spruce top helps project the sound well and produces clear trebles, while the mahogany back and sides add warmth and resonance to the low end.

The wide range of tonal possibilities makes this a versatile instrument. It can produce bright and lively tones on the treble strings that are perfect for faster passages and rhythmic strumming. Yet when playing lower down the fretboard, the RST5 has enough bass response and depth for richer melodies and chordal playing.

The tone profile is well-balanced across the frequency range. Notes ring out clearly and there's enough sustain and bloom to let the guitar "breathe". Whether plucking individual notes or strumming full chords, the tone remains focused and evenly distributed.

The guitar is very responsive to different playing dynamics. You can control the volume and get a wide dynamic range, going from delicate pianissimo to booming fortissimo tones. This lets you shape phrases with musicality and expression.

Overall the tone has an open, organic quality. The guitar resonates freely and notes don't sound choked. Subtleties of your playing technique and articulation come through in the sound. The tone profile encourages nuanced playing and sensitive musicianship.

Comfort

The Ortega RST5 is a very comfortable guitar to play, thanks to its lightweight construction and well-balanced design. Though it has a full-size body, it only weighs about 5 lbs, making it easy on the shoulders during long practice sessions.

The C-shaped neck has a smooth satin finish that makes it easy to grip and slide up and down. It feels substantial in the hand without being overly thick. The neck joins the body at the 12th fret, providing good access to higher notes.

Some players may find the wider nut width of 2.05” challenging at first if they are used to narrower necks. But it allows for more space between strings, reducing inadvertent muting. The slightly wider fretboard creates a roomier feel that many players appreciate.

Overall, the light weight, excellent balance, and comfortable neck profile make the RST5 a pleasure to play for extended periods. The smooth finish and quality construction reward dedicated practice by minimizing hand fatigue. While wider than some entry-level classical guitars, the neck still feels sleek and fast.

Great Value for the Price

The Ortega RST5 represents an excellent value for the money in the world of nylon string guitars. While not the cheapest classical guitar on the market, it delivers a level of quality and playability more commonly found on instruments costing two or three times as much.

The all-solid wood construction and hand-finished components result in a surprisingly resonant and well-balanced tone for this price range. The playability is also quite impressive right out of the box, with comfortable string action and an adjustable truss rod to fine tune the neck relief. Many budget classical guitars can be frustrating for beginners to play due to high action and poor intonation, but the RST5 avoids these common issues.

While the onboard electronics and preamp are fairly basic, they get the job done for simple practice sessions and amateur recording. The tuning machines hold tune reliably, which can be another shortcoming on some lower-priced nylon strings. Considering the construction, playability and accessories included, the RST5 really sets itself apart from other guitars close to this price point.

So for classical guitarists on a tight budget or looking for an affordable second guitar for travel, the Ortega RST5 is an excellent option. While not a professional-grade instrument, it outperforms most competitors even up to twice its price. For most players' needs, this guitar packs a surprising amount of value.

Alternatives

When shopping for a classical guitar in this price range, the Ortega RST5 has some strong competitors to consider as alternatives. Here are some other top classical guitar models around $500 that are comparable to the RST5:

Yamaha C40II

The Yamaha C40II is known for its warm, balanced tone and easy playability that makes it a great choice for beginners and intermediate players. It features a spruce top, meranti back and sides, and rosewood fingerboard. The slim neck and string spacing helps with fingering and control. It provides great value for a all-solid wood classical guitar under $500.

Cordoba C5

With a solid Canadian cedar top and mahogany back and sides, the Cordoba C5 produces a rich and resonant sound. The hand-carved heel and slim neck provide smooth playability across the ebony fingerboard. Appointed with mother-of-pearl rosette and matte finish, this is a stylish and affordable option from a top classical guitar brand.

Kremona Sofia

Handmade in Bulgaria, the Kremona Sofia has a cedar top and mahogany sides and back for an expansive sound profile. The fingerboard and bridge are African rosewood. It has a decorative mosaic rosette and mother-of-pearl purfling. With quality construction and components, this is an appealing mid-range option.

La Patrie Etude

With construction inspired by much more costly concert-level classical guitars, the La Patrie Etude delivers excellent sound and playability for the price. It features a solid cedar top, laminated Indian rosewood sides and back, and mahogany neck. Overall an excellent value classical guitar.